Keraia
Numbers 12

Numbers 12:1

The Complaint of Miriam and Aaron · Numbers 12:1–16
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Translations

Modern
Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife.
Traditional
And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
Literal
And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, upon occasion of the Cushite the woman whom he had taken; for he had taken a Cushite woman.
Latin
Locutaque est Maria et Aaron contra Moysen propter uxorem ejus Æthiopissam,

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife.

Notes

Numbers 12:1

Most interpreters believe the Cushite woman is Zipporah, the wife of Moses. She was from Midian (Exodus 2:16–22). They see Cush as referring to Cushan, a region and people near Midian (Habakkuk 3:7).

Other interpreters think Cushite refers to Kusi in northern Arabia, Ethiopia, or Sudan. This would suggest she was a different wife.

In either case, it is possible that Miriam and Aaron disapproved of his having married a non-Israelite or that they were jealous of her influence over Moses.

Numbers 12:1–2

Miriam and Aaron may have seen the marriage of Moses as a threat to their status and goals. The verses list Miriam first, suggesting she started this family conflict. This could explain why God punished her and not Aaron (12:9–10).

Numbers 12:1–16

Rebellion did not come only from the “rabble” or from the Israelites who were tired of manna (11:4). It also came from within the family of Moses.

Aaron the high priest and Miriam the prophetess spoke against Moses (Exodus 29:30; Exodus 15:20). Their actions showed that even Israel’s spiritual leaders struggled with jealousy and doubt.

At this time, Israel was moving toward a lowest point in its rebellion against God (Numbers 13:25–14:12).

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Moses Intermarriage and Divorce The Plagues

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Miriam: Moses' sister, a prophetess who led women in worship Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Places

Cush: Ancient region in Africa; associated with Egypt and Babylon

Glossary

Aaron Cush (Place) Deuteronomy, Book of Disease Hazeroth History of Israel Kings, Books of First and Second Miriam Mixed Marriage Moses Numbers, Book of Pillar of Fire and Cloud Woman

Topics

Aaron: Jealous of Moses Africa Christian Minister: Aaron Citizens: Wicked: Miriam and Aaron Conspiracy: Miriam and Aaron, Against Moses Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Ethiopia: Moses Marries a Woman of Forgiveness: Moses Forgives the Israelites Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Hazeroth: Aaron and Miriam Envy Moses Judgments: Miriam Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Miriam Miriam: Jealous of Moses, Stricken with Leprosy, Healed on Account of the Intercession of Moses Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Murmuring: Aaron Treason of Aaron and Miriam Against Moses Women: Miriam, in Her Sedition with Aaron Against Moses Zipporah: Miriam and Aaron Upbraid Moses Concerning